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Clayton Echard Supports Louis Russell Through the Drama on Perfect Match

Clayton Echard holds nothing but positive memories of his Perfect Match costar Louis Russell, despite the ongoing drama on social media.

“He calls himself ‘the menace,’ but to me, Louis is truly one-of-a-kind,” Clayton, 32, shared on the August 1 episode of the “Dear Shandy” podcast. “I respect Louis a lot. He’s 24, yet I find myself looking up to him.”

He continued, “I think highly of that guy. He’s the most unique person I’ve come across, and he’s so genuine. I admire how you’ve gained all this knowledge and wisdom at such a young age. I’m not sure if [Perfect Match] captures that. He’s really intelligent.”

Clayton also mentioned that Louis, 24, “isn’t shy” about expressing his true self.

“For someone his age to have figured himself out, yeah, he’s exceptional,” Clayton added with a chuckle.

Since their time in the Perfect Match villa, Louis has seemingly started a romance with Love Island USA star Huda Mustafa. (Louis and Huda, 24, made a joint appearance at the Weapons premiere but have yet to publicly define their relationship.)

Following Louis and Huda’s red carpet appearance, rumors circulated that his friend Miguel Harichi’s girlfriend, Leah Kateb, unfollowed Louis due to her feud with Huda. (Leah, 25, has openly denied any animosity towards Huda.)

Ollie Sutherland, Freddie Powell, Louis Russell, Daniel Perfetto, and Clayton Echard. Courtesy of Netflix

“The girls unfollowed him because they felt there was something off about his relationship with her,” Miguel, 28, stated in an Instagram Story on Saturday, August 2, regarding Leah and her Love Island friends unfollowing Louis. “Regardless of how they feel for each other, I’m indifferent. I wish them peace, but I want my name and my girl’s name to stay out of their narrative.”

Miguel also mentioned that he has distanced himself from Louis.

Love Island USA's Leah Asks Trolls to Leave Me Alone After Claims of a Feud With Huda

Related: Love Island USA’s Leah Denies She’s Feuding With Huda: ‘Leave Me Alone’

Love Island USA’s Leah Kateb reacted candidly to fans who spread rumors about a feud with season 7 star Huda Mustafa. Speculation arose when Leah, 25, unfollowed Huda, 24, on Instagram after leaving the villa. Following her July 17 appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, Leah shared […]

“It’s absurd that I even have to write this, but this is the world I’m in and it seems people want an explanation,” Miguel stated. “So here’s the truth: any notions that I was close with those individuals should be dismissed, as it’s evident we’re heading in different directions.”

Miguel, who met Leah during season 6 of Love Island USA, also addressed anyone who thinks they have the right to speak negatively about his relationship.

“Making assumptions without understanding the reasons behind certain actions and using that to drag her name and my relationship through the mud is appalling,” Miguel expressed on Saturday. “I’m deeply disappointed, upset, and want nothing to do with it.”

Louis has yet to comment on the ongoing online situation.